3d display device and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

A device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, in which a user may control a 3D display device more conveniently and exactly. The 3D display device comprises a 3D display unit a measurement unit configured to obtain location information indicating a location of a user located in front of the 3D display unit, and a processor configured to control the 3D display unit and the measurement unit, wherein the processor obtains a first angle, which is a horizontal angle between the 3D display unit and the user, by using the location information, maintains an image displayed on the 3D display unit if the first angle is within a preset first angle range, and rotates the image displayed on the 3D display unit based on a vertical axis of the image and in a left or right direction according to the first angle if the first angle departs from the preset first angle range.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to a 3D display device and a methodfor controlling the same, and more particularly, to a device forcontrolling an image displayed on a 3D display to allow a user to entera sweet spot of the 3D display by himself/herself if a location of theuser departs from the sweet spot of the 3D display.

BACKGROUND ART

With the development of the electronic technology, various types ofelectronic devices have been developed and spread. In this respect,manufacturers that have manufactured and sold electronic devices havebeen required to provide guidelines for a method for using an electronicdevice to allow users to well use functions of the electronic device. Tothis end, conventional manuals have been drafted in such a manner thatillustrations and texts are together stated per function or contents ofthe product. Accordingly, the users could have used the correspondingdevice effectively only if the user studies the functions of theelectronic device for a long time. Also, if the user desires to know adesired function, there was inconvenience in that the user should findout description of the desired function by checking a table of contentssuggested at the beginning of the guidelines. Also, there wasinconvenience in that the user should read full description of aspecific function even when the user desires to briefly know thespecific function. Accordingly, a method for providing guidelines toprovide convenience of a user will be required to allow the user to usean electronic device more conveniently and easily.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present specification is directed to a 3D displaydevice and a method for controlling the same, which substantiallyobviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of therelated art.

An object of the present specification is to provide a 3D display deviceand a method for controlling the same, which may measure a location of auser.

Another object of the present specification is to provide a 3D displaydevice and a method for controlling the same, which rotates an imagedisplayed on a 3D display in accordance with a location of a user.

Still another object of the present specification is to provide a 3Ddisplay device and a method for controlling the same, which enlarges orreduces an image displayed on a 3D display in accordance with a locationof a user.

Further still another object of the present specification is to providea 3D display device and a method for controlling the same, which mayprovide a sweet spot that may be registered by setup of a user.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description which follows and in part willbecome apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following or may be learned from practice of theinvention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

Solution to Problem

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the specification, as embodied and broadly described herein,a 3-dimensional (3D) display device comprises a 3D display unit, ameasurement unit configured to obtain location information indicating alocation of a user located in front of the 3D display unit, and aprocessor configured to control the 3D display unit and the measurementunit, wherein the processor obtains a first angle, which is a horizontalangle between the 3D display unit and the user, by using the locationinformation, maintains an image displayed on the 3D display unit if thefirst angle is within a preset first angle range, and rotates the imagedisplayed on the 3D display unit based on a vertical axis of the imageand in a left or right direction the first angle if the first angledeparts from the first angle range.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to one embodiment of the present specification, if thedistance between the 3D display unit and the user departs from thedistance range which is preset, the image displayed on the 3D displayunit may be enlarged or reduced to allow the user to move to the sweetspot by himself/herself.

Also, according to another embodiment of the present specification, ifthe user departs from the sweet spot, the image displayed on the 3Ddisplay unit may be rotated in an opposite direction of the movementdirection of the user, so that the user may enter the sweet spot byhimself/herself, whereby more intuitive easy viewing guidelines may beprovided.

Also, according to other embodiment of the present specification, sincethe sweet spot may be set by the user, the optimized sweet spot may beprovided to each user.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description of the present specification areexemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the specification as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the specification and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of thespecification and together with the description serve to explain theprinciple of the specification. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a 3D display device according toone embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that provides asweet spot in accordance with one embodiment of the presentspecification;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that measures alocation of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the presentspecification;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device and a device, whichcontrols an image in accordance with a distance of a user, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device and a device, whichcontrols an image in accordance with a horizontal angle of a user, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device and a device, whichcontrols an image in accordance with an elevation angle of a user, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that controls a 3Dimage if a user departs from a distance range of a sweet spot inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that controls a 3Dimage if a user departs from a horizontal angle range of a sweet spot inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that controls a 3Dimage if a user departs from an elevation angle range of a sweet spot inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device if a user departsfrom a distance range and a horizontal angle range of a sweet spot inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 11 a is a flow chart illustrating a method for setting a sweet spotrange if the sweet spot range is set by a user in accordance with oneembodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 11 b is a flow chart illustrating a setting order of a sweet spotin accordance with one embodiment of the present specification;

FIG. 12 a is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a deviceif an angle of a user and the device departs from an angle range of asweet spot; and

FIG. 12 b is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a deviceif an angle of a user and the device departs from a distance range of asweet spot.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent specification, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Although the terms used in the present specification are selected fromgenerally known and used terms considering their functions in thepresent specification, the terms can be modified depending on intentionof a person skilled in the art, practices, or the advent of newtechnology. Also, in special case, the terms mentioned in thedescription of the present specification may be selected by theapplicant at his or her discretion, the detailed meanings of which aredescribed in relevant parts of the description herein. Accordingly, theterms used herein should be understood not simply by the actual termsused but by the meaning lying within and the description disclosedherein.

Hereinafter, although the embodiments will be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings and disclosures disclosed in the drawings,technical spirits of the present specification are not limited by suchembodiments.

This specification relates to a 3D display device that provides 3Dimage. The 3D display device means a digital device that provides a 3Deffect by rendering two different images, that is, an image for a righteye and an image for a left eye of a viewer. In other words, ifbinocular disparity occurs, the viewer may recognize 3D image or 3Dscreen through binocular disparity. Also, in this specification, the 3Dimage means image or moving image displayed to allow a user to recognize3D effect or depth effect. Hereinafter, the digital device that providesthe 3D image will be referred to as a 3D display device or a device.

The 3D display device may be divided into a glass type 3D display deviceand a glassless type 3D display device. The glass type 3D display devicemay be divided into an anaglyphic 3D display device, a polarization 3Ddisplay device, and an alternate-frame sequencing 3D display device. Theglassless type 3D display device may be divided into a parallax barriertype 3D display device, a lenticular lens type 3D display device, and aholographic type 3D display device. In addition, the 3D display devicedisclosed in this specification may be implemented by all the 3D displaytechnologies that may generate binocular disparity, and is not limitedto the aforementioned type technology.

In the meantime, the 3D display device has been described based on theglassless type 3D display device in this specification. However, the 3Ddisplay device is not limited to the glassless type 3D display device,and includes the glass type 3D display device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a 3D display device according toone embodiment. In FIG. 1, the 3D display device includes a 3D displayunit 10, a measurement unit 12, and a processor 11.

The 3D display unit 10 may display 3D image generated or switched by thedevice. In more detail, the 3D display unit 10 may display a 3D imagehaving two left and right view points. Also, the 3D display unit 10 maydisplay a 3D image on the basis of contents or application implementedby the processor 11 or a control command of the processor 11. Also, the3D display unit 10 may display a 3D image controlled by the processor.In more detail, the 3D display unit 10 may display a 3D image rotated ata specific angle or a 3D image which is enlarged or reduced.

The measurement unit 12 may measure a location of a user located at thefront of the device by using at least one sensor provided in the device.In more detail, the measurement unit 12 may generate relative locationinformation between the user and the 3D display unit 10 by measuring thelocation of the user. The location information may include informationon a relative distance, horizontal angle and elevation angle between theuser and the 3D display unit 10. Also, the location information mayinclude information on absolute location coordinates of the user. Themeasurement unit 12 may generate location information of the user andtransmit the generated location information to the processor, or maytransmit the measured result to the processor 11.

The location information of the user may be obtained in various manners.For example, the measurement unit 12 may measure the location of theuser by recognizing a location of a face of the user. For anotherexample, the measurement unit 12 may measure the location of the user byrecognizing a location of both eyes or pupil of the user. For anotherexample, if the device is the glass type 3D display device, themeasurement unit 12 may measure the location of the user by recognizinga location of glasses worn by the user. In this case, the location ofthe user may mean the relative location with the device or the absolutelocation of the user. A location measurement method of the user will bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

The measurement unit 12 refers to various sensing means, and may sensevarious inputs of the user or an environment of the device, and transferthe sensed result to the device to allow the device to perform theoperation based on the sensed result. For example, the measurement unit12 may include various sensing means, which may measure a location of auser, such as an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a heat detector,and a camera sensor. The aforementioned sensors may be included in thedevice as separate elements, or may be incorporated into at least oneelement.

The processor 11 may process data inside the device. Also, the processor11 may control the aforementioned units of the device, and may managedata transmission and reception between the units. Also, the processor11 may receive location information of the user from the measurementunit. Alternatively, the processor 11 may receive measurementinformation from the measurement unit 12, and may obtain locationinformation of the user by using the received measurement result. Thelocation information of the user may include information on thedistance, horizontal angle, and elevation angle between the 3D displayunit 10 and the user. The processor 11 may control an image displayed onthe 3D display unit 10 by using the location information of the user. Inmore detail, the processor 11 may rotate the 3D image displayed on the3D display unit 10, or may enlarge or reduce the 3D image.

In the following description, if each step or operation performed in theportable device is started or proceeds by a user input, assume an inputsignal generating procedure according to the user input includes anexplanation of the aforementioned procedure although it is not explainedrepeatedly. And, it may express that the processor controls the portabledevice or the units included in the portable device according to theuser input and it may explain in a manner of equating the processor withthe portable device.

In the meantime, the 3D display device shown in FIG. 1 is a blockdiagram according to one embodiment. In FIG. 1, respective blocks areshown to logically identify the elements of the device. Accordingly, theelements of the aforementioned device may be provided as one chip or aplurality of chips in accordance with design of the display device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that provides asweet spot 20 guide in accordance with one embodiment of the presentspecification.

When the user views the 3D display device, a sweet spot 20, whichcorresponds to a specific viewing point, may exist in view of featuresof 3D image. The sweet spot 20 may mean an optimized viewing point of a3D image viewing zone at the front of the device. Alternatively, thesweet spot 20 may mean a maximum distance and angle range between theuser and the device, which allows the user to recognize depth of the 3Dimage. The 3D image may be obtained in such a manner that a brain of theuser synthesizes different images, which are projected into a left eyeand a right eye, into one image. Different images projected into theleft eye and the right eye will be referred to as binocular disparity.This binocular disparity may be generated using the relative location ofthe left eye and the right eye. In other words, the binocular disparitymay be generated using the difference in viewing angle or viewingdistance between both eyes with respect to the 3D display. In moredetail, binocular disparity may be generated in such a manner that aprojection distance and angle of displayed left and right eye images arecontrolled to allow the left eye image to be projected into the left eyeand the right eye image to be projected into the right eye. Since theprojection distance and angle of both eye images are controlled to allowthe left eye image and the right eye image to be separately projectedinto each eye, the sweet spot 20 where the 3D image may be viewed by theuser and a dead zone where the 3D image is not viewed by the user mayexist in accordance with the location of the user. Accordingly, thesweet spot 20 may include a specific distance range (axis ‘x’) and ahorizontal angle range (axis ‘y’). Alternatively, the sweet spot 20 mayfurther include an elevation angle range (axis ‘z’) in accordance withone embodiment.

For proper viewing of 3D image, the user needs to view the 3D imagewithin the sweet spot 20. Accordingly, an indicator or guide may berequired to allow the user to view 3D image within the sweet spot 20.This specification relates to a user interface for guiding the user tothe sweet spot 20. According to one embodiment, if the user is locatedwithin the range of the sweet spot 20, the device may maintain an imagewhich is currently being displayed. According to another embodiment, ifthe user departs from the sweet spot 20, the device may rotate the imagewhich is being displayed, or may enlarge or reduce the image. If theimage is rotated (22), the device may rotate the displayed image in anopposite direction of a movement direction of the user. This is intendedto restrict viewing of the 3D image by rotating the image in accordancewith movement of the user, whereby the user may move to the sweet spot20 by himself/herself. A method for controlling a displayed image basedon the location of the user will be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10.

The 3D display device having the sweet spot 20 has been described asabove. As described above, since the device should know the currentlocation of the user to guide the sweet spot 20 for the user, thelocation measurement method of the user will be described in more detailwith reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that measures alocation of a user in accordance with one embodiment of the presentspecification. In more detail, FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a devicethat obtains location information of a user as a measurement unit 30measures the location of the user located in front of the 3D displaydevice.

According to one embodiment, the device may measure the location of theuser by recognizing a face 32 of the user through a camera 30. Thedevice may obtain location information of the user by recognizing theface 32 of the user located in a front direction and measuring arelative distance and angle with the user. Alternatively, the device mayobtain location information of the user by recognizing the face 32 ofthe user located in the front direction and measuring an absolutelocation coordinate of the user.

According to another embodiment, the device may measure the location ofthe user by recognizing a location of eyes or pupil 31 of the userthrough the camera 30. The device may obtain the location information ofthe user by recognizing eyes or pupil 31 of the user located at thefront and measuring a relative distance and angle with the user.Alternatively, the device may obtain location information of the user byrecognizing eyes or pupil 31 of the user located in the front directionto obtain an absolute relative location coordinate of the user. Thelocation of eyes of the user may be obtained by respectively measuring aleft eye and a right eye of the user or measuring a center location ‘d’from a location ‘2 d’ between the left eye and the right eye.

In addition, the device may obtain the location information of the userby using various sensing means that may measure the location of theuser. Acquisition of the location information is not limited to theaforementioned embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device and a device 42,which controls an image in accordance with a distance of a user 43, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification. In moredetail, FIG. 4 illustrates a distance component of a sweet spot 44 ofthe device 42. The distance between the device 42 and the user 43 may beobtained from location information measured by the measurement unit.

As described above, the sweet spot 44 where 3D image may be viewed bythe user may exist in front of the device 42. In more detail, givendistance range d1 to d2 44 that may allow the user to recognize 3D imagemay exist in front of the device 42. In this specification, the distance‘d’ may mean a minimum straight-line distance between the 3D displaydevice 42 and the user 43. According to one embodiment, if the locationinformation of the user 43 is obtained as the face of the user 43 isrecognized, the minimum straight-line distance may mean the minimumstraight-line distance from a vertical center line 41 of 3D image to acenter point of gravity of the face of the user 43. According to anotherembodiment, if the location information of the user 43 is obtained asboth eyes of the user 43 are recognized, the minimum straight-linedistance may mean the minimum straight-line distance from the verticalcenter line 41 of the 3D image to a center point of both eyes of theuser 43. In addition, the distance between the user and the 3D displaydevice 42 may be measured in accordance with various manners andreferences without limitation to the aforementioned embodiments.

Supposing that the minimum value of the distance range of the sweet spot44 is d1 and the maximum value of the distance range of the sweet spot44 is d2, if the user 43 is located within the distance range of d1 tod2 from the device 42, the user 43 may view the 3D image. In this case,d1 and d2 may be fixed values in accordance with a design scheme of thedevice 42, or may be flexible values that may be set by the user 43. Inthis specification, d1 and d2 are flexible values that may be set by theuser 43, and the method for setting d1 and d2 will be described laterwith reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device 51 and a device,which controls an image in accordance with a horizontal angle of a user,in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. In moredetail, FIG. 5 illustrates a horizontal angle component of a sweet spot52 of the device 51. The horizontal angle between the device 51 and theuser may be obtained from location information measured by themeasurement unit.

As described above, the sweet spot 52 where 3D image may be viewed bythe user may exist in front of the device 51. In more detail, a givenhorizontal angle range that may allow the user to recognize 3D image mayexist at the front of the device 51. In this specification, thehorizontal angle may mean a relative angle between the 3D display device51 and the user 53 located along a horizontal axis 50 of the display.Alternatively, supposing that the device 51 and the user 53 are locatedon one horizontal plane, the horizontal angle may mean the horizontalangle between the device 51 and the user 53. According to oneembodiment, if the location information of the user 53 is obtained asthe face of the user 53 is recognized, the horizontal angle may mean theangle made by a first virtual line 55 from the center point of the 3Dimage to a center point of gravity of the face of the user 53 and asecond virtual line 54 passing through the center point of the 3D image.According to another embodiment, if the location information of the user53 is obtained as both eyes of the user 53 are recognized, thehorizontal angle may mean the angle made by the first virtual line 55from the center point of the 3D image to a center point of both eyes ofthe user 53 and the second virtual line 54 passing through the centerpoint of the 3D image. In this case, the first virtual line 55 and thesecond virtual line 54 exist on the same horizontal plane. In addition,the horizontal angle between the user 53 and the 3D display device 51may be measured in accordance with various manners and referenceswithout limitation to the aforementioned embodiments.

Supposing that the minimum value of the horizontal angle range of thesweet spot 52 is −θ1 and the maximum value of the horizontal angle rangeof the sweet spot 52 is θ1, if the user 53 is located within the anglerange of −θ1 to θ1 from the device 51, the user 53 may view the 3Dimage. In other words, the device 51 may have the sweet spot horizontalangle range 52 of 2θ1. −θ1 and θ1 may be fixed values in accordance witha design scheme of the device 51, or may be flexible values that may beset by the user 53. In this specification, −θ1 and θ1 are flexiblevalues that may be set by the user 53, and the method for setting −θ1and θ1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device 61 and a device,which controls an image in accordance with an elevation angle of a user,in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. In moredetail, FIG. 6 illustrates an elevation angle component of a sweet spot64 of the device. The elevation angle between the device 61 and the user63 may be obtained from location information measured by the measurementunit.

In this specification, the elevation angle may mean a relative anglebetween the 3D display device 61 and the location of the user 63 locatedalong a vertical axis 62 of the display. Alternatively, supposing thatthe device 61 and the user 63 are located on one vertical plane, theelevation angle may mean the elevation angle between the device 61 andthe user 63. According to one embodiment, if the location information ofthe user 63 is obtained as the face of the user 63 is recognized, theelevation angle may mean the angle made by a first virtual line 66 fromthe center point of the 3D image to a center point of gravity of theface of the user 63 and a second virtual line 65 passing through thecenter point of the 3D image. According to another embodiment, if thelocation information of the user 63 is obtained as both eyes of the user63 are recognized, the elevation angle may mean the angle made by thefirst virtual line 66 from the center point of the 3D image to a centerpoint of both eyes of the user 63 and the second virtual line 65 passingthrough the center point of the 3D image. In this case, the firstvirtual line 66 and the second virtual line 65 exist on the samevertical plane. In addition, the elevation angle between the user 63 andthe 3D display device 61 may be measured in accordance with variousmanners and references without limitation to the aforementionedembodiments.

Supposing that the minimum value of the elevation angle range of thesweet spot 64 is −θ2 and the maximum value of the horizontal angle rangeof the sweet spot 64 is θ2, if the user 63 is located within the anglerange of −θ2 to θ2 from the device, the user 63 may view the 3D image.In other words, the device 61 may have the sweet spot elevation anglerange 64 of 2θ2. −θ2 and θ2 may be fixed values in accordance with adesign scheme of the device 61, or may be flexible values that may beset by the user 63. In this specification, −θ2 and θ2 are flexiblevalues that may be set by the user 63, and the method for setting −θ2and θ2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device that controls a 3Dimage if a user 73 departs from a distance range of a sweet spot inaccordance with one embodiment of the present specification.

The 3D display device 70 may have a given sweet spot distance range. Inthis case, the minimum value of the distance range may be referred to asd1, and the maximum value of the distance range may be referred to asd2. If the distance d between the user 73 and the device 70 is more thand1 and less than d2, that is, if the user 73 is located within the sweetspot distance range, the device 70 may maintain 3D image which iscurrently being displayed. However, if the distance d between the user73 and the device 70 is less than d1 or more than d2, that is, if theuser 73 departs from the sweet spot distance range, the device 70 mayenlarge or reduce the 3D image which is currently being displayed.

In more detail, if the distance d between the user 73 and the device 70is reduced to be less than the sweet spot distance range 74, the device70 may enlarge the 3D image which is currently being displayed. In thiscase, reducing less than the sweet spot distance range 74 may mean thatthe distance d between the user 73 and the device 70 is reduced to beless than d1. In this case, d1 may mean the minimum value within thesweet spot distance range 74. The 3D image may be enlarged (72) fully orpartially. Also, the 3D image may be enlarged to correspond to movementof the user 73. According to one embodiment, if the user departs fromthe sweet spot distance range 74 and closes to the device 70, the device70 may control enlargement (72) speed of the 3D image according to themovement speed of the user 73. As the 3D image is enlarged, a cornerportion of the 3D image may not be displayed. In this way, if a zonethat may not be viewed by the user 73 as the 3D image is enlarged, sincea viewing zone is limited partially, the user may feel inconvenience inviewing the 3D image. Accordingly, to solve such inconvenience, the user73 may move to the sweet spot distance range 74 by changing his/herlocation to be far away from the device 70.

On the other hand, if the distance d between the user 73 and the device70 is increased to be more than the sweet spot distance range 74, thedevice 70 may reduce the 3D image which is currently being displayed. Inthis case, increasing more than the sweet spot distance range 74 maymean that the distance d between the user 73 and the device 70 isincreased to be more than d2. In this case, d2 may mean the maximumvalue within the sweet spot distance range 74. The 3D image may bereduced (75) fully or partially. Also, the 3D image may be reduced (75)to correspond to movement of the user 73. According to one embodiment,if the user 73 departs from the sweet spot distance range 74 and becomesfar away from the device 70, the device 70 may control reducing (75)speed of the 3D image according to the movement speed of the user 73. Asthe 3D image is reduced, the user may feel inconvenience in viewing the3D image. Accordingly, to solve such inconvenience, the user 73 may moveto the sweet spot distance range 74 by changing his/her location to beclose to the distance with the device 70.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the 3D image isenlarged/reduced in accordance with movement of the user 73,inconvenience of the user 73 is caused in viewing the 3D image, wherebyit is guided that the user 73 may find out an optimized viewing point.As a result, it is advantageous in that a user interface, which is moreinstitutive and ease, may be provided.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device 80 that controls a3D image if a user 84 departs from a horizontal angle range 83 of asweet spot in accordance with one embodiment of the presentspecification.

The 3D display device 80 may have a given sweet spot horizontal anglerange 83. If the user 84 is located within the sweet spot horizontalangle range 83, the device 80 may maintain the 3D image which iscurrently being displayed. On the other hand, if the user departs fromthe sweet spot horizontal angle range 83, the device 80 may rotate the3D image, which is currently being displayed, based on a vertical axisof the image 81.

In more detail, if the horizontal angle between the user 84 and thedevice departs from the sweet spot angle range 83 in a left direction,the device 80 may rotate the 3D image, which is currently beingdisplayed, in a right direction 82 based on the vertical axis of theimage 81. On the other hand, if the horizontal angle between the user 84and the device departs from the sweet spot angle range 83 in a rightdirection, the device 80 may rotate the 3D image, which is currentlybeing displayed, in a left direction 85 based on the vertical axis ofthe image 81. In this case, the left direction and the right directionmay mean the left side and the right side based on the direction towardswhich the user 84 views the device 80. In other words, the device 80 mayrotate the 3D image in an opposite direction of the movement directionof the user 84. Since the 3D image is rotated in an opposite directionof the movement direction of the user 84, the user may feelinconvenience in viewing the 3D image by departing from the sweet spot83. This is because that a viewing angle which is an angle for viewingthe 3D image is not ensured. Accordingly, the user 84 may move to thesweet spot horizontal angle range 83 by changing his/her location toensure the viewing angle of the 3D image. As described above, in thisembodiment, since rotation of the 3D image is controlled in accordancewith movement of the user 84, inconvenience of the user 84 is caused inviewing the 3D image, whereby it is guided that the user 84 may find outan optimized viewing point. As a result, it is advantageous in that auser interface, which is more institutive and ease, may be provided.

In the meantime, the 3D image may be rotated based on the vertical axisof the image 81, or may be rotated based on a vertical axis of the 3Ddisplay unit 81. Also, the 3D image may be rotated to correspond tomovement of the user 84. According to one embodiment, if the user 84departs from the sweet spot horizontal angle range 83, the device 80 maycontrol the rotation speed of the 3D image according to the movementspeed of the user 84. According to another embodiment, if the user 84departs from the sweet spot horizontal angle range 83, the device 80 mayrotate the 3D image as much as the difference between the horizontalangle θ between the user 84 and the device 80 and the horizontal angleof the sweet spot θ1.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device 92 that controls a3D image if a user 94 departs from an elevation angle range of a sweetspot in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification.

The 3D display device 92 may have a given sweet spot elevation anglerange 93. If the user 94 is located within the sweet spot elevationangle range 93, the device 92 may maintain the 3D image which iscurrently being displayed. On the other hand, if the user 94 departsfrom the sweet spot elevation angle range 93, the device 92 may rotatethe 3D image which is currently being displayed, based on a horizontalaxis of the image 90.

In more detail, if the elevation angle between the user 94 and thedevice 92 departs from the sweet spot angle range 93 in an upwarddirection, the device 92 may rotate the 3D image, which is currentlybeing displayed, in a downward direction 91 based on the horizontal axisof the image. On the other hand, if the elevation angle between the user94 and the device 92 departs from the sweet spot angle range 93 in adownward direction, the device 92 may rotate the 3D image, which iscurrently being displayed, in an upward direction 95 based on thehorizontal axis of the image 90. In other words, the device 92 mayrotate the 3D image in an opposite direction of the movement directionof the user 94. Since the 3D image is rotated in an opposite directionof the movement direction of the user 94, the user 94 may feelinconvenience in viewing the 3D image by departing from the sweet spot.This is because that a viewing angle which is an angle for viewing the3D image is not ensured. Accordingly, the user 94 may move to the sweetspot elevation angle range 93 by changing his/her location to ensure theviewing angle of the 3D image. As described above, in this embodiment,since rotation of the 3D image is controlled in accordance with movementof the user 94, inconvenience of the user 94 is caused in viewing the 3Dimage, whereby it is guided that the user 94 may find out an optimizedviewing point. As a result, it is advantageous in that a user interface,which is more institutive and ease, may be provided.

In the meantime, the 3D image may be rotated based on the horizontalaxis of the image 90, or may be rotated based on the horizontal axis ofthe 3D display unit 90. Also, the 3D image may be rotated to correspondto movement of the user 94. According to one embodiment, if the user 94departs from the sweet spot elevation angle range 93, the device 92 maycontrol the rotation speed of the 3D image according to the movementspeed of the user 94. According to another embodiment, if the user 94departs from the sweet spot elevation angle range, the device 92 mayrotate the 3D image as much as the difference between the elevationangle θ between the user 94 and the device 92 and the elevation angle θ2of the sweet spot.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a 3D display device if a user 104departs from a distance range and a horizontal angle range of a sweetspot in accordance with one embodiment of the present specification.

As described above, the sweet spots 103 and 105 may include a distancecomponent (axis x) 105 and a horizontal angle component (axis y) 103.Also, the sweet spots 103 and 105 may further include an elevation anglecomponent (axis z) in accordance with one embodiment. The aforementionedembodiments relate to the case where the 3D image is controlled by anyone of the components of the sweet spots 103 and 105. However, it isuncommon that the user 104 actually moves to change any one of thecomponents of the sweet spots 103 and 105. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, in case where two or more components of sweet spots 103 and105 are changed at the same time, a method for controlling a 3D imagewill be described.

First of all, the device 102 may generate location information of theuser 104 by measuring the location of the user 104. The locationinformation may include relative location information between the user104 and the device 102 and absolute location information of the user104.

The device 102 may obtain a distance component (axis x) d′ and ahorizontal angle component (axis y) θ′ from the location information.Also, the device 102 may additionally obtain the elevation anglecomponent in accordance with one embodiment. For example, afterobtaining a vector value in a movement direction of the user 104, thedevice 102 may obtain each component value by decomposing the vectorvalue into the distance component (axis x) d′, the horizontal anglecomponent (axis y) θ′ and the elevation angle component (axis z). Asdescribed with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, the device 102 may rotateor enlarge/reduce the 3D image in accordance with the decomposedcomponent value. However, unlike the aforementioned embodimentsdescribed with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, in this embodiment,rotation and enlargement/reducing of the 3D image may be performed atthe same time.

In more detail, as described with reference to the drawings, if the user104 moves in a diagonal direction by departing from the distance range105 and the horizontal angle range 103 of the sweet spot, the device maymeasure a vector value in a movement direction of the user 104. Thedevice 102 may obtain the distance component (axis x) d′ and thehorizontal angle component (axis y) θ′ from the measured vector value.The device 102 may control the 3D image in accordance with the obtainedcomponent values. In more detail, the device 102 may enlarge/reduce the3D image in accordance with the distance component value d′. Also, thedevice 102 may display the 3D image by rotating the 3D image using thevertical center line 100 as an axis in accordance with the horizontalcomponent value θ′. The 3D image may be controlled simultaneously inaccordance with the respective component values. For example, if theobtained distance component d′ is more than the sweet spot distancerange 105 and the obtained horizontal angle component θ′ corresponds tothe left side of the sweet spot angle range 103, the device 102 mayrotate (101) the reduced 3D image towards the right side based on thevertical axis of the image 100. Alternatively, if the obtained distancecomponent d′ is more than the sweet spot distance range 105 and theobtained horizontal angle component θ′ corresponds to the right side ofthe sweet spot angle range 103, the device 102 may rotate the reduced 3Dimage towards the left side based on the vertical axis of the image 100.

In this way, the device 102 may control the 3D image in accordance witheach component value by decomposing the movement direction of the user104 into each component value. In this embodiment, although the casewhere the distance component d′ and the horizontal angle component θ′exists only has been described in detail, the elevation angle componentmay be added in accordance with one embodiment. In this case, the device102 may decompose the vector value in the movement direction of the user104 into the distance component d′, the horizontal angle component θ′and the elevation angle component and control the 3D image at the sametime in accordance with each component. For example, if the obtaineddistance d′ is less than the sweet spot distance range 105, the obtainedhorizontal angle component θ′ corresponds to the left side of the sweetspot horizontal angle range 103 and the obtained elevation anglecomponent corresponds to the upper side of the sweet spot angle range,the device 102 may rotate the enlarged 3D image towards the right sidebased on the vertical axis of the image 100 and towards the lower sidebased on the horizontal axis of the image.

FIG. 11 a is a flow chart illustrating a method for setting a sweet spotrange if the sweet spot range is set by a user in accordance with oneembodiment of the present specification. If the user sets an option ordesires to reset a sweet spot before using the purchased 3D displaydevice, the user may set the sweet spot in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 11 a.

First of all, if the power is supplied to the 3D display device, thedevice may display a control screen (S110).

In this case, the control screen means the 3D image controlled inaccordance with a current location of the user. In more detail, if thecurrent location of the user is within the sweet spot range, the controlscreen may mean the 3D image which is not enlarged/reduced. However, ifthe current location of the user departs from the sweet spot range, thecontrol screen may mean the 3D image rotated or enlarged/reduced inaccordance with a location component of the user. For example, if thedistance between the user and the device is less than the sweet spotdistance range, the control screen may mean the 3D image which isenlarged. Accordingly, the user may determine whether the currentlocation of the user is within the sweet spot range, through the controlscreen which is displayed.

If the current location of the user departs from the sweet spot range,the user may set its current location to the sweet spot by manipulatinga scroll button (S111).

For example, if the displayed control screen corresponds to the enlarged3D image, the user may reduce the 3D image by manipulating the scrollbutton downwardly. On the other hand, if the displayed control screencorresponds to the reduced 3D image, the user may enlarge the 3D imageby manipulating the scroll button upwardly. Even in case of the 3D imageof which displayed control screen is rotated towards the left side orright side, the user may control rotation of the 3D image bymanipulating the scroll button in a left or right direction. In otherwords, the user may simply set the current location of the user to thesweet spot by manipulating the scroll button. In this case, since theinstallation point of the device may be varied depending on thestructure of building, if the sweet spot range is fixed, utility of thedevice may be deteriorated. Accordingly, the user may set the sweet spotrange to enhance utility of the device. Meanwhile, as a method formanipulating the sweet spot, the aforementioned manipulation of thescroll button is only exemplary, and the sweet spot may be manipulatedby various user inputs such as a button input of a remote controller ora touch input of the user. In other words, the manipulation of thescroll button is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment.

Next, if the user enters the sweet spot range through manipulation ofthe scroll button, the device may store the set sweet spot detail, andthe process for setting the sweet spot may end. However, if the userdoes not enter the sweet spot range, the step may return to the step ofdisplaying the control screen (S112).

FIG. 11 b is a flow chart illustrating a setting order of a sweet spotin accordance with one embodiment of the present specification. In moredetail, FIG. 11 b is a flow chart illustrating the order of resetting apreset sweet spot in accordance with a location of a user.

If the power is supplied to the 3D display device (S110-1), the devicemay display a basis viewing guide screen (S111-1).

The basic viewing guide screen means the screen for suggesting a guidefor a method for entering a sweet spot together with a simple guide ofsetting of a sweet spot. Also, the device may provide a sweet spotsetting menu together with a basis viewing guide (S111-1).

In this case, the sweet spot setting menu means a user interfaceprovided by the device to allow the user to set a sweet spot, and may beset by the method described in FIG. 11 a. If the sweet spot is set inaccordance with FIG. 11 a, a dead zone indicator may be operated(S112-1).

In this case, the dead zone means the zone that excludes the sweet spotof the viewing zone in front of the device. Functions of the dead zoneindicator correspond to those of the aforementioned embodiments in FIG.7 to FIG. 10.

The device in which the dead zone indicator is being implemented maydetermine whether a sweet spot reset signal is detected (S113-1).

Reset of the sweet spot is the function provided by the device to changethe preset sweet spot on the basis of the current location of the user.The sweet spot reset signal may mean a user input signal by the user toreset the sweet spot. This sweet spot reset signal may be generated byvarious manners such as a button press of a remote controller, a touchinput for display of the user, and location change that departs from thesweet spot range of the user.

If the sweet spot reset signal is detected, the device may determinewhether a head tracking button is pressed (S114-1).

If press of the head tracking button is not detected, the device mayreturn to the step for operation of the dead zone indicator (S112-1).

If press of the head tracking button is detected, the device may performdifferent functions in accordance with duration time of press of thehead tracking button. In this case, the head tracking button is aspecific button existing in a remote controller synchronized with thedevice, and may perform a function of tracing a face of the user.

In more detail, if the duration time of press of the head trackingbutton is less than preset time, the device may trace the location ofthe face of the user within the sweet spot (S115-1). The device mayobtain location information of the user by tracing the face of the user.The device may reset the current location of the user to a new sweetspot by using the obtained location information (S116-1). After thedevice stores setting details of the new sweet spot, the process forresetting the sweet spot may end.

If the duration time of press of the head tracking button exceeds thepreset time, the device may provide a mirroring screen for the locationof the user during the duration time of press of the button (S117-1). Inmore detail, the device may display a feature of the user located infront of the display unit by mirroring the feature of the user. If thedevice mirrors the user, it may use the camera used as the measurementunit. The device may mirror the feature of the user and provideinformation on whether the user is currently located within the sweetspot range by displaying the sweet spot range additionally. Accordingly,the user may determine whether the user is currently located within thesweet spot range. The user was conventionally required to search for asetting menu provided by the device so as to implement a mirroringfunction. However, in this embodiment, the mirroring function isperformed through long press of the head tracking button, wherebyaccessibility and utility may be enhanced at the same time. If the headtracking button is released after long press, mirroring may end.

FIG. 12 a is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a deviceif an angle of a user and the device departs from an angle range of asweet spot. This flow chart is the same as or corresponds to theembodiment described with reference to FIG. 8.

First of all, the device may obtain location information of the user(S120).

Also, the device may obtain a first angle, which is a horizontal angleof the user and the device, from the location information of the user(S121).

Next, the device may determine whether the first angle is within a firstangle range which is a preset horizontal angle range (S122).

If the first angle is within the first angle range, the device maymaintain 3D image which is currently being displayed (S124).

However, if the first angle departs from the first angle range, thedevice may rotate the displayed image in accordance with a changedirection of the first angle based on a vertical axis of the image(S123). In more detail, if the first angle departs from the first anglerange and then moves to the left side, the device may rotate the 3Dimage towards the right side based on the vertical axis of the image. Bycontrast, if the first angle departs from the first angle range and thenmoves to the right side, the device may rotate the 3D image towards theleft side based on the vertical axis of the image. More details of thiscontrol operation of the device correspond to or are the same as theembodiment described with reference to FIG. 8.

This flow chart may be applied to another embodiment related to theelevation angle.

First of all, the device may obtain location information of the user(S120).

Also, the device may obtain a first angle, which is an elevation angleof the user and the device, from the location information of the user(S121).

Next, the device may determine whether the first angle is within a firstangle range which is a preset elevation angle range (S122).

If the first angle is within the first angle range, the device maymaintain 3D image which is currently being displayed (S124).

However, if the first angle departs from the first angle range, thedevice may rotate the displayed image in accordance with a changedirection of the first angle based on a horizontal axis of the image(S123).

In more detail, if the first angle departs from the first angle rangeand then moves to the upper side, the device may rotate the 3D imagetowards the lower side based on the horizontal axis of the image. Bycontrast, if the first angle departs from the first angle range and thenmoves to the lower side, the device may rotate the 3D image towards theupper side based on the horizontal axis of the image. More details ofthis control operation of the device correspond to or are the same asthe embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 b is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a deviceif an angle of a user and the device departs from a distance range of asweet spot.

First of all, the device may obtain location information of the user(S120-1).

Also, the device may obtain a first distance, which is the distancebetween the user and the device, from the location information of theuser (S121-1).

Next, the device may determine whether the first angle within a presetdistance range (S122-1).

If the first distance is within the preset distance range, the devicemay maintain the 3D image which is currently being displayed (S124-1).

However, if the first distance departs from the preset distance range,the device may enlarge or reduce the displayed image in accordance witha change direction of the first distance (S123-1).

In more detail, if the first distance is reduced and thus departs fromthe preset distance range, the device may enlarge the 3D image. On theother hand, if the first distance is increased and thus departs from thepreset distance range, the device may reduce the 3D image. More detailsof this control operation of the device correspond to or are the same asthe embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7.

For convenience of description, although the description may be made foreach of the drawings, the embodiments of the respective drawings may beincorporated to achieve a new embodiment. A computer readable recordingmedium where a program for implementing the embodiments is recorded maybe designed in accordance with the need of the person skilled in the artwithin the scope of the present specification.

Also, the device and the method for controlling the same according tothe embodiment are not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, andall or some of the aforementioned embodiments may selectively beconfigured in combination so that various modifications may be made inthe aforementioned embodiments.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presentspecification can be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit and essential characteristics of the specification.Thus, the above embodiments are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should bedetermined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims and allchange which comes within the equivalent scope of the invention areincluded in the scope of the invention.

Also, in this specification, it is to be understood that distance,length, speed and angle may mean their exact value and includesubstantial distance, length, speed and angle of a given range. In otherwords, in this specification, the distance and angle between the deviceand the user may mean substantial distance and angle, and an error of agiven range may exist therein.

In this specification, both the product invention and the methodinvention have been described, and description of both inventions may bemade complementally if necessary.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Various embodiments have been described in the best mode for carryingout the invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is totally or partiallyapplicable to electronic devices.

1. A 3-dimensional (3D) display device comprising: a 3D display unit; ameasurement unit configured to obtain location information indicating alocation of a user located in front of the 3D display unit; and aprocessor configured to control the 3D display unit and the measurementunit, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a firstangle, which is a horizontal angle between the 3D display unit and theuser, by using the location information, maintain an image displayed onthe 3D display unit if the first angle is within a preset first anglerange, and rotate the image displayed on the 3D display unit based on avertical axis of the image and in a left or right direction according tothe first angle if the first angle departs from the preset first anglerange.
 2. The 3D display device according to claim 1, wherein thelocation of the user includes a face location of the user, and themeasurement unit obtains the location information indicating the facelocation of the user located in front of the 3D display unit.
 3. The 3Ddisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the location of the userincludes a location of both eyes of the user, and the measurement unitobtains the location information indicating the location of both eyes ofthe user located in front of the 3D display unit.
 4. The 3D displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein if the first angle is changed anddeparts from the preset first angle range, the processor rotates theimage displayed on the 3D display unit based on the vertical axis of theimage and in an opposite direction of a change direction of the firstangle according to the change of the first angle.
 5. The 3D displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the processor obtains a secondangle, which is an elevation angle between the 3D display unit and theuser, by using the location information, maintains the image displayedon the 3D display unit if the second angle is within a preset secondangle range, and rotates the image displayed on the 3D display unitbased on a horizontal axis of the image and in an upper or lowerdirection according to the second angle if the second angle departs fromthe preset second angle range.
 6. The 3D display device according toclaim 5, wherein if the second angle is changed and departs from thepreset second angle range, the processor rotates the image displayed onthe 3D display unit based on the horizontal axis of the image and in anopposite direction of a change direction of the second angle accordingto the change of the second angle.
 7. The 3D display device according toclaim 1, wherein the processor obtains a first distance, which is adistance between a 3D display unit and the user, by using the locationinformation, maintains the image displayed on the 3D display unit if thefirst distance is within a preset distance range, and enlarges orreduces the image displayed on the 3D display unit according to thefirst distance if the first distance departs from the preset distancerange.
 8. The 3D display device according to claim 7, wherein theprocessor enlarges the image displayed on the 3D display unit accordingto a change of the first distance if the first distance is reduced to beless than the preset distance range, and reduces the image displayed onthe 3D display unit according to the change of the first distance if thefirst distance is increased to be more than the preset distance range.9. A 3-dimensional (3D) display device comprising: a 3D display unit; ameasurement unit configured to obtain location information indicating alocation of a user located in front of the 3D display unit; and aprocessor configured to control the 3D display unit and the measurementunit, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a firstdistance, which is a distance between the 3D display unit and the user,by using the location information, maintain an image displayed on the 3Ddisplay unit if the first distance is within a preset distance range,and enlarge or reduce the image displayed on the 3D display unitaccording to the first distance if the first distance departs from thepreset distance range.
 10. The 3D display device according to claim 9,wherein the location of the user includes a face location of the user,and the measurement unit obtains the location information indicating theface location of the user located in front of the 3D display unit. 11.The 3D display device according to claim 9, wherein the location of theuser includes a location of both eyes of the user, and the measurementunit obtains the location information indicating the location of botheyes of the user located in front of the 3D display unit.
 12. The 3Ddisplay device according to claim 9, wherein if the first angle isreduced to be less than the preset distance range, the processorenlarges the image displayed on the 3D display unit, and if the firstdistance is increased to be more than the preset distance range, theprocessor reduces the image displayed on the 3D display unit.
 13. The 3Ddisplay device according to claim 9, wherein the processor obtains afirst angle, which is a horizontal angle between the 3D display unit andthe user, by using the location information, maintains the imagedisplayed on the 3D display unit if the first angle is within a presetfirst angle range, and rotates the image displayed on the 3D displayunit based on a vertical axis of the image and in a left or rightdirection according to the first angle if the first angle departs fromthe preset first angle range.
 14. The 3D display device according toclaim 13, wherein, if the first angle is changed and departs from thepreset first angle range, the processor rotates the image displayed onthe 3D display unit based on the vertical axis of the image and in anopposite direction of a change direction of the first angle according tothe change of the first angle.
 15. The 3D display device according toclaim 9, wherein the processor obtains a second angle, which is anelevation angle between the 3D display unit and the user, by using thelocation information, maintains the image displayed on the 3D displayunit if the second angle is within a preset second angle range, androtates the image displayed on the 3D display unit based on a horizontalaxis of the image and in an upper or lower direction according to thesecond angle if the second angle departs from the preset second anglerange.
 16. The 3D display device according to claim 15, wherein if thesecond angle is changed and departs from the preset second angle range,the processor rotates the image displayed on the 3D display unit basedon the horizontal axis of the image and in an opposite direction of achange direction of the second angle according to the change of thesecond angle.
 17. A method for controlling a 3D display device, themethod comprising the steps of: obtaining location informationindicating a location of a user located in front of a 3D display unit;obtaining a first angle, which is a horizontal angle between the 3Ddisplay unit and the user, by using the location information;maintaining an image displayed on the 3D display unit if the first angleis within a preset first angle range, and rotating the image displayedon the 3D display unit based on a vertical axis of the image and in aleft or right direction according to the first angle if the first angledeparts from the preset first angle range.
 18. The method according toclaim 17, further comprising the steps of: obtaining a second angle,which is an elevation angle between the 3D display unit and the user, byusing the location information; maintaining the image displayed on the3D display unit if the second angle is within a preset second anglerange, and rotating the image displayed on the 3D display unit based ona horizontal axis of the image and in an upper or lower directionaccording to the second angle if the second angle departs from thepreset second angle range.
 19. A method for controlling a 3D displaydevice, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining locationinformation indicating a location of a user located in front of a 3Ddisplay unit; obtaining a first distance, which is a distance betweenthe 3D display unit and the user, by using the location information;maintaining an image displayed on the 3D display unit if the firstdistance is within a preset distance range, and enlarging or reducingthe image displayed on the 3D display unit, according to the firstdistance if the first distance departs from the preset distance range.